Personally, I have never been a very materialistic person. As most people my age in the U.S I have a smartphone, a laptop and even a tablet. In this day and age these types of technologies are so common to have among college students to study, do homework, and use for personal use.
Although I am very fortunate to have all these pieces of technology and other personal items such as random stuff like makeup (and an unnecessary amount of clothes and shoes), lately I have noticed a lot of these things I own are not so necessary. After living in France and having to minimize the number of things I could take with me on a plane to another country for 4 months, I realized a lot of the stuff I own is completely extra stuff that I could live without.
I have been getting really interested in the idea or the concept of minimalism, which if you have not heard about is a very interesting topic to read up about even if you are the kind of person who loves stuff and loves hoarding certain items. I recommend to research the topic and see what you think about it.
Well, living abroad I realized that the amount of clothes I took across the world with me was way more than what I actually needed, as well as the number of extra items I had taken with me. In the middle of my trip I realized that I basically only wore the items that I truly loved and felt comfortable in. We tend to buy things that are trending now maybe because your best friend points it out and you have a strong need to buy it for no apparent reason. We are bound to spend money if we the money to do so.
Here, is where the experiences part comes in! So, wouldn’t it be awesome if you had that extra money to spend to take that vacation or road trip you’ve been dying to go on with your besties? Or Study abroad for a semester? Well, it is possible, and no it won’t be an overnight thing at all this is a process.
All I am trying to make a point of is that if we were more conscious of the stuff we bought such as clothes, makeup, beauty products, accessories, dinners, we could probably be saving enough money to go on that trip that you’ve been longing for.
Sadly, experiences such as traveling, concerts, studying abroad, and ect. cost money but imagine if you didn’t spend a bunch of money on your wants and just focused on your needs you would have the money to do and have these experiences.
Personally, experiences like traveling, studying abroad have allowed me to grow and learn so much about this world, and to explore what else is out there. Experiences don’t have to be pricey or crazy like moving to France like I did, they can be going to another state, or buying those concert tickets.
So go out there create and have experiences and be conscious of what really is that you need and don’t need in your life. Yes, that Prada bag is gorgeous don’t get me wrong but, if its that or a round trip to Italy? Sign me up for Italy!